Virginia to Kentucky Moving Guide
Updated June 8, 2025

Planning a 423 mile interstate move from Virginia to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in Virginia vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Virginia Ham vs Kentucky Fried Chicken), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Virginia Ham and BBQ Pork, but get your taste buds ready for Kentucky Fried Chicken & Mutton BBQ
- Kentucky housing costs are 48% less expensive than they are in Virginia
- Rent in Kentucky is 28.47% more affordable than in Virginia
- Moving from Virginia to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
- Our top recommended Virginia to Kentucky movers is ARS Movers
Virginia to Kentucky Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Kentucky
- Higher cost of living
- Heavy traffic congestion
- Denser population
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- Lower cost of living
- Smoother commutes
- Less crowded spaces
- Relaxed pace of life
- Fewer historical landmarks
- No ocean coastline
- Fewer cultural events
- Smaller job market
- Rich historical sites
- Coastal attractions
- Varied cultural scene
- Diverse job market
Pros of moving from Virginia to Kentucky
- Say goodbye to the higher cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
- Look forward to moving away from the heavy traffic congestion and moving to Kentucky with smoother commutes
- Swap the denser population of Virginia for less crowded spaces in Kentucky
- Get ready for a relaxed pace of life in Kentucky
Cons of moving from Virginia to Kentucky
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich historical sites in Virginia to live with fewer historical landmarks in Kentucky
- You'll lose out on the pro of coastal attractions and have to settle for the con of no ocean coastline
- Time to bid farewell to the varied cultural scene and get used to fewer cultural events in Kentucky
- Swap the diverse job market for a smaller job market
Virginia vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Virginia | Kentucky |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Virginia Ham | Kentucky Fried Chicken |
Most popular meat dish | BBQ Pork | Mutton BBQ |
Most popular street food item | Oysters | Hot Brown Sandwich |
Most popular vegan food | Grain Bowl | Fried Green Tomatoes |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Virginia to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Virginia Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful BBQ Pork and sumptuous Oysters, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Mutton BBQ and Hot Brown Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grain Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Fried Green Tomatoes of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Lemaire Restaurant, and Zynodoa. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like Mammoth Cave Hotel Dining Room, Brown Hotel, and Wallace Station.
When comparing lifestyles, Kentucky shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Virginia. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Kentucky compared to what you are used to in Virginia. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Kentucky.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Kentucky
Comparison | Virginia | Kentucky |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Colonial, Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Energy efficiency, Outdoor spaces | Large lots, Spacious kitchens |
- The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Kentucky.
- Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference energy efficiency and outdoor spaces, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and spacious kitchens.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kentucky is less walkable than Virginia.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Kentucky is less bike-friendly than Virginia.
- Kentucky has less of an urban feel than Virginia.
- Kentucky housing costs are 48% less expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Virginiaβs $385,780.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased 47% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
- Rent in Kentucky is 28.47% more affordable than in Virginia.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Virginia and Kentucky
Comparison | Virginia | Kentucky |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Floods | Tornadoes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F / 66Β°F | 87Β°F / 67Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 47Β°F / 27Β°F | 44Β°F / 24Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 44" | 50" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 10-20" | 12-25" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Virginia to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Virginia.
- Kentucky has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Virginia.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Kentucky.
- The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 2 degrees warmer than in Virginia.
- The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Virginia.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 6 more inches of rain compared to Virginia.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Kentucky
Comparison | Virginia | Kentucky |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $85,873 | $59,341 |
Cost of Living Index | 96.6 | 87.8 |
State Income Tax | 2% to 5.75% | 5% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.80% | 0.83% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 5.3% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Government, Farming | Coal Mining, Automotive, Agriculture |
Affluence | Moderate | Modest |
Poverty | Mild | Higher |
Homelessness | Low | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 31% less than in Virginia
- The COLI in Kentucky will be 9% lower than what you are used to living in Virginia
- The state income tax in KY is 5% compared to 2% to 5.75% in VA
- The affluence in Kentucky is modest compared to moderate in Virginia
- The poverty level is higher in Kentucky compared to mild in Virginia
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Virginia and low in Kentucky
Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Kentucky
Comparison | Virginia | Kentucky |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Swing state, recently leaning towards Democratic | Reliably Republican in presidential elections |
Local Politics | Diverse, varies by region | Conservative, with pockets of Democratic support |
Religion | Christianity predominant, diverse religious communities | Primarily Protestant Christian, with Baptist dominance |
- Virginia tends to lean swing state, recently leaning towards Democratic in its political climate
- Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as reliably Republican in presidential elections
- Kentucky's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant Christian, with Baptist dominance
- Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities
Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Kentucky
Comparison | Virginia | Kentucky |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Virginia Virginia Tech William & Mary | University of Kentucky University of Louisville Western Kentucky University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Arlington Science Focus School - Arlington Nuckols Farm Elementary - Henrico Cooper Middle - McLean | Lincoln Elementary Performing Arts - Louisville Rosa Parks Elementary - Lexington Pikeville Elementary - Pikeville |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Longfellow Middle - Falls Church Cooper Middle - McLean Frost Middle - Fairfax | Beaumont Middle - Lexington Meyzeek Middle - Louisville South Oldham Middle - Crestwood |
Top 3 High Schools | Thomas Jefferson High for Science and Technology - Alexandria McLean High - McLean Langley High - McLean | DuPont Manual High - Louisville Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science - Bowling Green Highlands High - Fort Thomas |
Top 3 private high schools | Thomas Jefferson School - Alexandria The Potomac School - McLean St. Anne's-Belfield School - Charlottesville | The Lexington School - Lexington Sacred Heart Academy - Louisville The Sayre School - Lexington |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Potomac School - McLean Flint Hill School - Oakton Madeira School - McLean | The Lexington School - Lexington St. Francis School - Goshen Sayre School - Lexington |
Top 3 School Districts | Fairfax County Public Schools Loudoun County Public Schools Arlington Public Schools | Fayette County Public Schools Jefferson County Public Schools Oldham County Schools |
How Much Do Virginia to Kentucky Movers Cost?
Moving 423 miles from Virginia to Kentucky will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,442 | 300 ft3 | $4.81 |
1 Bedroom | $2,141 | 450 ft3 | $4.76 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,531 | 750 ft3 | $4.71 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,123 | 1100 ft3 | $4.66 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,372 | 1600 ft3 | $4.61 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,204 | 1800 ft3 | $4.56 |
Top Virginia to Kentucky Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Virginia to Kentucky movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.